Fill your sleigh while supporting Durham's economy this holiday season

A message from Durham Tourism

Oshawa This Week

With Santa Claus parades being held across Durham Region, malls getting busier, festive music playing on the radio, and my kids' wish lists getting longer and longer, it's official: holiday season has arrived.

This year, take a different approach with your holiday purchases -- a local approach. This is the perfect time of year to learn more about the products offered by locally owned businesses and the people who run them. You'll be supporting your local economy.

Without giving away too many surprises to my friends and family, my shopping list this year includes local wine; gift cards for nearby golf courses and ski hills; handmade chocolate and jewelry; and local art.

Also this weekend, Pickering Village in Ajax is hosting a shopping event in the courtyard from 4 to 7 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to decorate cookies, make crafts and visit with Frosty, Rudolph and other fun holiday characters. You'll even be able to take a break from shopping to take a picture in a genuine antique open sleigh.

On your shopping endeavours, I encourage you to embrace the holiday spirit and pick up an extra toy for the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) Holiday Food and Toy Drive. The Food and Toy Drive began in 1989 and provides needy families in Durham Region with food and toys for the holiday season. Donations can be dropped off at Durham Regional headquarters in Whitby; any DRPS Division in Durham Region; or any fire station in Oshawa, Whitby, Clarington or Ajax. Your donations will be picked up, sorted and distributed in time for Christmas, by a dedicated team of volunteers. For more information, visit www.drps.ca.

No matter who you're buying for this season, or how you choose to celebrate, keep Durham Region businesses in mind. Locally owned businesses use local resources and employ local workers. So, become a local consumer and support economic sustainability in your community.

To learn more about local businesses and holiday shopping experiences this season, visit www.durhamtourism.ca and follow @DurhamTourism on Twitter.
-- Kerri King is manager of Durham Tourism.